How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

Several people in my church had the surgery. In fact there have been many who have had it or are going to have it. They were so happy about their success and were just glowing with confidence, so I had to find out if it was for me. I begain to research WLS and made it a matter of prayer and it all just fell into place. I knew it was God's will for me to have this life saving surgery.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

In my research of WLS, I found that Dr. David Miles was recommended most often. I knew he only does LAP RNY. I had LAP surgery before, and I know it was the way I wanted to go.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

The only fear I had was blood clots in my legs because of the edema I have in my legs. But Dr. Miles had a filter inserted into my main artery to insure that it I did have any, they would never reach my heart or lungs. I had no other concerns I knew I was in good hands.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

All my family were so very supportive. I found out that my children and my mother had even talked to each other about suggesting the surgery to me. When they approached me about it I was able to tell them that I already had an appointment with the surgeron.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

My employer was also very supportive. He thought it was a wonderful idea, and he would even let me eat and drink at my desk after surgery (HeHe!). He helped me find someone to fill in for me while I was out, and get them trained. I was only out of work for 1 week because everything went so smoothly.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My stay in the hospital was very uneventful. The nurses were very nice and helpful. and I had no complaints.I didn't need anything except my robe, slippers and toothbrush. Everything else was provided. I was only in for 1 night.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I had absolutely no complications.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was so excited when I got my approval. I knew it was what I wanted, and my last chance to loose the weight and save my lfe. I had no second thoughts.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

I was quite sore when I got home. It was only the day after surgery, but I had good pain meds. I was very thursty so I was able to keep my fluids up, but it took a little getting used to eating, eventhough I was on a liquid diet. I had no nausea, but I found that broth or anything with any grease in it would upset my stomach. I had not other problems.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

New Hanover Regional Medical Center is a local hospital and my surgeon is also local. I didn't have to travel at all. I was able to stay home.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I cannot eat anything with grease in it, it will upset my stomach. I don't seem to like chicken anymore, but I love tuna and salmon. I like instant grits, cream of wheat, and oatmeal. Campbells microwave soups in the little "drinking" cans are great for lunch. Applesauce (no sugar added), low carb yogurt, Jello (no sugar added), Carbolite Gummy Bears, low carb peanut butter are great. I bought a little 1.5 cup food processor and I even pureed pot roast, Lean Cuisine entrees, stew, etc. GREAT! I absolutely stay away from any sugar. I haven't dumped yet and I don't want to.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I was pretty sore for the first 3 or 4 days. After that I felt pretty normal. I was back to work in a week and had not pain or soreness. At 4 week post-op, I feel better than I have in several years.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I drink at least 60 grams of protien a day. I have found that the Nectar brand is the best. Great flavors and don't taste artificial. They are wonderful. I acually enjoy them. I take 1500mg calcuim a day. I love the ActiveCal chew from GNC. The carmel is the best. I also take a B12 suppliment and chew 2 Flintstones Complete vitamins a day. My surgeon has a program set up at a local GNC store to give you a Gold Membership and advice when you need to purchase suppliments.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

So far at 4 weeks out I have had no bad side effects. I only had one episode where I thought I might be sick when I knew I had eaten too much, but it passed on off. I now make sure I stop when I feel satisfied. I have not dumped yet, but I stay away from sugars and grease.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The worst part was the leak test the morning after surgery. I was so thursty and they gave me the worst tasting sour/metalic tasting stuff to drink (leak testing agent). It was so bad that I was grateful for the barium to wash my mouth out.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

My doctor has a support group and there are several locally. I also know may people who have had WLS, several years to a few months out. It is important to have others to discuss problems or ideas, and get their input as to what they did or how they handled certain situations.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

I had LAP surgery, so I only have 7 little tiny cuts. (7 because my liver was a little large)